Peruvian Hats: Alpaca Chullo Hats Knitted in Cusco

Alpaca chullo hats with earflaps, braided ties and tassels, sold by a local company in Cusco. Every hat states its fiber, so you know exactly what you are buying. Order on WhatsApp and pick it up in Cusco, or ask us for shipping.

  • Fiber written on every label
  • Knitted in Cusco, Peru
  • Pickup in Cusco or shipping on request

Why Buy Your Peruvian Hat Directly from Cusco

Most Peruvian hats sold abroad pass through several middlemen before they reach you. We are a tour operator based in Cusco, close to the communities where chullos are knitted, so your hat goes from the knitter to you with no importers in between.

That is why our prices sit below the big alpaca boutiques, and why every product page tells you the fiber in plain words.

Alpaca, Baby Alpaca or Blend: Choosing a Peruvian Alpaca Hat

The fiber decides how soft and warm your chullo feels. Peru grades alpaca by fiber diameter under its technical standard NTP 231.301:2014, and “baby” is a grade of fineness, not the age of the animal.

Fiber How it feels Best for
100% baby alpaca Very soft, no itch (20.1 to 23 µm) Sensitive skin, gifts, everyday wear
Alpaca blend Soft and hard wearing Treks, travel and kids

Want the full story of the grades, the prices and the fakes? Read our guide to the chullo.

A Real Peruvian Winter Hat: Why Chullos Have Earflaps

Many Andean communities live at 3,800 m and higher, where the night wind is fierce. The earflaps and braided ties keep the ears covered, which makes an alpaca hat with ear flaps one of the warmest winter hats you can pack.

Alpaca stays warm even when damp, so a chullo belongs on any Salkantay packing list and on every high trek around Cusco.

Size and Fit

Our chullos are one size for adults. The knit stretches and the ties adjust the fit under the chin. A hand knitted chullo feels snug at first and relaxes a little with use. For kids sizes, ask us on WhatsApp.

How to Order: Pickup in Cusco or Shipping

  1. Choose your chullo and press Order on WhatsApp: your message is written for you.
  2. We confirm availability and agree on payment with you.
  3. Pick it up at our Cusco office, receive it at your hotel or tour briefing if you travel with us, or ask for a shipping quote for Peru or abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peruvian Chullo Hats

Is a chullo an Inca hat?

Not exactly. The Incas and earlier cultures wore knotted status hats, but the knitted chullo with earflaps took shape after the Spanish brought needle knitting in the 16th century. Today it is the most famous traditional hat of Peru.

Are your chullos real alpaca?

Yes, and each product page states the exact fiber: 100% baby alpaca or an alpaca blend. If a hat contains acrylic, the label and the page say so.

How much does a Peruvian chullo hat cost?

Our chullos cost from US$16 to US$43: alpaca blend chullos start at US$16 and our 100% baby alpaca chullos cost US$43. Acrylic souvenir chullos in the markets cost less, but they are not alpaca.

Can I buy a chullo during my tour in Cusco?

Yes. Order on WhatsApp before or during your trip and we hand it to you at your hotel or at your tour briefing in Cusco.

How do I wash an alpaca chullo?

By hand in cold or lukewarm water with wool shampoo, pressing the water out in a towel and drying it flat in the shade. Never use a dryer, because alpaca felts and shrinks.

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